
Book 

Copyrights 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



SONGS OF FAITH 
AND TRUST 

BY 
LANGSTON BACON 




BOSTON 
RICHARD G. BADGER 

THE GORHAM PRESS 



Copyright, 1921, by Langston Bacon 



All Rights Reserved 






Made in the United States of America 



The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 

JAN 13 1922 

GLA65.3534 



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CONTENTS 

TAG* 

Abiding Faith n 

Trusting 12 

There Is a Star 13 

Lord ! May My Faith in Thee 14 

"I am the Resurrection and the Life" 15 

Before Thy Altar 16 

'Tis Faith 17 

Oh, Lovely Flowers 19 

Oh! Blessed Dawn 20 

1 Stood on the Bank 22 

I Wonder if My Lord Is Dead 23 

The Woman Penitent 25 

The Wilderness of Doubt 26 

A Prayer 27 

May Not My Faith Grow Cold 28 

There's a Light That Shineth 29 

When Evil Tempts 30 

My Master 31 

The Guiding Star 32 

I Knelt Beneath the Cross and Wept 33 

My Heart Is Full of Sorrow 34 

The Bible 35 

The Love of God 36 

There Is a Land .... a 37 

a 



Contents 



PAGE 

The Way to Heaven 38 

She Hath Done What She Could 39 

There's an Infinite Longing 41 

Am I Afraid to Tread the Path? 42 

I Wept 43 

I'm Stopping Here 44 

Why Should I Mourn? 46 

Oh, Weary One 47 

Come What There Will 48 

We Look upon the Sky 49 

Days May Come and Days May Go 50 

There Was a Modest Violet 51 

There Is So Much to Please the Eye 52 

Sacrifice 53 

Think Not, oh, Man ! 54 

Mansions Fair 55 

I Was by Some Mysterious Fancy Led .... 56 

The Missionary 57 

Oh! Death, Your Power I Defy 58 

I'm but a Pebble 59 

I Found a Jewel 60 

Some Time I Sigh 61 

They Tell Me of a Dreamless Night 64 

Jesus and the Woman Taken in Adultery ... 65 

The Parable of the Good Samaritan 66 

I Heard a Song of Love 67 

The Dead 68 

I Seem to Tread This World Alone 70 

Happiness 71 

I Lost a Gem 72 

6 



Contents 



PAGE 

The Mystic Isle . 73 

Be Brave 74 

There Is a Journey 75 

When I Am Old 76 

I Fear No Earthquake's Shock 77 

Oh! May There Not Come in My Heart ... 78 

Oh! Lord, Give Me the Power Strong .... 79 

The Whirligig of Time 80 

Finished 81 

The Unprofitable Servant 82 

The Soliloquy of Age 83 

Drifting 84 

Oh! Grace Divine 85 

The Song of the Angels 86 

The Story from a Book 87 

My Faith in Thee 88 

My Constant Friend 89 

All My Words Are Nothingness 90 

I Cast a Look 91 

I Saw the Land of the Prophets 92 

A Dusty Covered Volume . 93 



SONGS OF FAITH 
AND TRUST 



SONGS OF 
FAITH AND TRUST 

ABIDING FAITH 

I step into the great unknown, 
I make that step there all alone, 
I know not now what there may be, 
To greet me in Eternity. 

I falter not, nor anguish bear, 
As to the state to meet me there, 
Or in that place, the Great unseen, 
I'll be as if I ne'er had been. 

But faith, I have, that there I'll see 
The One who came and died for me, 
The One who came, the world to save, 
And here, his life, for others, gave. 

Oh! Faith, thou bright and shining star, 
That beams from out the mist afar, 
The only guide that's given here, 
To lead us onward without fear. 

Abiding faith, thou'll me sustain, 
Nor come a doubt to give me pain, 
No doubt to cloud my footsteps here, 
As to that goal, I now draw near. 



II 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



TRUSTING 

I am trusting, only trusting, 
In the what, my Master said, 
He that in his words believeth, 
He shall live, though he were dead. 

I am trusting, simply trusting, 
As a child, for He hath said, 
For of such shall be my Kingdom, 
When this weary life hath fled. 

I am trusting, only trusting, 
For that home of which He told, 
With its many, many mansions, 
And its streets of pearl and gold. 

O! my Savior, and my Master, 
O! my Hope, my Lord divine, 
May no learned or wise intruder, 
Ever shake this faith of mine. 



12 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THERE IS A STAR 

There is a star, that guideth me, 

Be I on land, or on the sea, 

Though tempest tossed, or trouble cast, 

My course by it, I still hold fast. 

Though bright the day, or dark the night, 

I never cease to find its light, 

That leads me, when by troubles pressed, 

Unto a place of peace and rest. 

It is a light for every clime, 

It shineth ever, all the time, 

It is a light, the slave to free, 

And by its light, all here may see 

The morn of life, 'twill light its page, 

And guide the footsteps of old age. 

Its influence here, by faith, is brought, 

To guide our steps, control our thought, 

It's heeded by the sage, the wise! 

The vain alone, its pow'r denies. 

What star is this, that is so fair, 

That shines so brightly everywhere ? 

It is the one, that wise men three, 

Led to the child of Galilee. 



13 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



O! LORD MAY MY FAITH IN THEE 

I pray, O! Lord, my faith in Thee 
Be boundless as eternity, 
And may my sincere devotion 
Be great as the trackless ocean. 

May I ever, from day to day, 
My vigils keep, and ceaseless, pray 
That Thou wilt all my sins forgive, 
And make me, thus, to better live. 

May I be, without great acclaim, 
An humble follower of Thy name, 
Be impregnated with the love 
Of all things good, and Thou above. 

O ! may I not be chained here, 
But move to Thee from year to year, 
As weight of years my being hold, 
May I be nearer to Thy fold. 

And when the toils of life are done, 
May I then see the Blessed One, 
Accepted through His boundless grace, 
A dweller there, before His face. 



H 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



"I AM THE RESURRECTION AND 
THE LIFE" 

"I am the resurrection and the life, 
He that believeth on me shall never die." 
O ! glorious thought, O ! thought ineffable, 
That springeth only from on high. 
O ! emanation from no human mind ! 
But from a being immortal, divine, 
Heavenly promise, on which hangeth all, 
The hope of man, since Adam's fall, 
O ! that no power of human kind, 
May shake my faith in this pledge divine. 



*5 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



BEFORE THY ALTAR 

Before Thy altar, Father, God, 

Oh, may we come and meekly kneel, 

It matters not how we may feel, 

When days are bright, and days are fair, 

As well as when there's sadness there. 

It matters not what be our state, 

We should on Thee, ever await, 

For this, I know, at every stage, 

In blithesome youth, or in old age, 

Inspiration comes to every one, 

Who breathes beneath the shining sun. 

To do, and better life to live, 

And more of self to others give, 

Who thus in truth before Thee bow. 

The sinner, as his sins confess, 

A better life doth him impress. 

The saint, as there his heart is given, 

Doth feel he's nearer yet to Heaven, 

The power there, to thus commune, 

Was given to man, a gracious boon, 

By Thee, who doth forever hold 

Man's body, mind and loving soul 

Within Thy hand. 



16 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



'TIS FAITH 

What tells the farmer as he sows, 
There'll come the golden grain, 
And as he seeds from year to year, 
Each time he'll reap again? 

'Tis faith. 

Why do we say the sweet good-bye, 
As morning work's begun, 
And feel that with the evening, 
We'll meet when work is done? 
Tis faith. 

What tells us that the sun that shines, 
And bathes the world in light, 
Will come again with morning, 
As day doth follow night? 

'Tis faith. 

, Why read we of the day that's past, 
On history's varied page, 
And there learn of the deeds of men, 
As played on earth, a stage? 

'Tis faith. 

What tells us, that in times of old, 
There lived a Blessed One, 
Who dwelt among the men of earth, 
As God's own righteous son ? 

'Tis faith. 



17 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



What's the power that gives to life, 
That vital impetus, 
By which we live, and ever move, 
And fills our soul with trust? 

Tis faith. 

What tells us of another world, 
Where all is joy and bliss, 
Freed from the tears and sorrows, 
That ever hamper this? 

'Tis faith. 



18 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



OH, LOVELY FLOWERS 

Oh, lovely flowers, 
That come to grace this world of ours, 
How thou should one ever impress 
With all thy varied beaut'ousness. 

'Tis hard to think of Earth, its mold, 
Such loveliness could there enfold. 
Such beauty, fragrance, could have birth 
Within thy bosom, Mother Earth. 

When all this beauty, thou command, 
Why should we doubt that living man, 
At his primeval, quickening birth, 
Was part of thee, thou Mother Earth? 

The lily and the rose, so fair, 
What is the mystery hidden there, 
That gave them birth, the world to bless, 
With all their fragrant loveliness? 

Man's not so fair as we behold, 
Save that he hath a living soul, 
Breathed there by his Maker, God, 
When he was part of Earth, its sod. 

Then tell me not, this hidden pow'r 
That charms us with a beauteous flow'r, 
A God could not from dirt impress 
A being, man, in comeliness. 



19 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



OH! BLESSED DAWN 

Oh! blessed dawn 
Of Christmas morn, 
When angels came, 
With joy aflame. 

The Heavenly choir, 
With bliss afire, 
Sang, Peace, Good Will, 
The earth should fill. 

For there is born, 
This blessed morn, 
A child, a boy, 
Harbinger of joy. 

Harbinger of peace, 
Wise men from East, 
They came to see 
Where he would be. 

They found the gem 
In Bethlehem, 
In palace fair, 
No, no, not there. 

No royal state, 
That greet the great, 
For lowly One, 
God's only Son. 

20 



Sonffs of Faith and Trust 



No inn, as guest, 
Would give Him rest, 
But He was there, 
Where cattle were. 

The wise men saw, 
And bowed with awe, 
The gifts they bore, 
Did then bestow. 

As He began, 
His race he ran, 
The lowly were 
His constant care. 

A God, He stood 
For what was good, 
And day or night, 
His path was right. 

All suffering here, 
Would catch His ear, 
None would appeal, 
But whom He'd heal. 

Oh ! blessed morn, 
This child was born, 
A gracious gift, 
Man to uplift. 

Then glad we sing, 
And joy bring, 
On Christmas morn, 
This child was born. 

21 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I STOOD ON THE BANK 

I stood on the bank of a dark, dark stream, 
And saw it onward flow, 
And I said to myself, all must here come, 
And 'cross it, they must go. 

My feet were weary, I had come afar, 
To the brink of this stream, 
And I said, Lord, be my faith ever strong, 
My trust no idle dream. 

And my hope, may it be a shining light, 

To lead o'er the river, 

And my soul, wilt Thou guide to th' other side, 

Safely, it there deliver? 

And may that land be more than has been told, 
Or that man could conceive, 
And reward be more than ever was thought 
By those who do believe. 



22 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I WONDER IF MY LORD IS DEAD 

In musing mood, to self I said, 
I wonder if my Lord is dead, 
I wonder if we'll see Him here, 
Again, His voice will greet our ear. 

I saw there pass a tattered child, 
Its face was sad, reft of a smile, 
I saw then one reach out with care, 
A kind word spoke unto it there, 
A sound then fell upon my ear, 
It said to me, "I am here." 

I saw the lame, the blind, the weak, 
And those who aid from others seek, 
Then came there one who gave them aid, 
More pleasant then, their pathway made, 
And then there came unto my ear, 
A voice which said, "I am here." 

I saw the sick, in beds there lay, 

Who long to see the pain go 'way, 

Then came there one who bore them flow'rs, 

To brighten there, the suffering hours, 

A word then came unto my ear, 

It said to me, "I am here." 



23 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I saw a tottering figure there, 
With wrinkled face and silver hair, 
A hand there came with aid to stay, 
And help him safely on the way, 
A joy then came unto my ear, 
It said to me, "I am here." 

I said, O! Lord, forgive, I pray, 
The thought that Thou art far away, 
I see and feel that Thou art near, 
With every deed of kindness here. 



24 



Sonffs of Faith and Trust 



THE WOMAN PENITENT 

She came and knelt before her Lord, 
The woman penitent, 
She came, a sinner, there to Him, 
She came on pardon bent. 

She came, as one who had been pure, 
And sinless as a child, 
But now, with sin, was bowed down, 
A creature, base and vile. 

She came, as one, an outcast there, 
A creature of offense, 
To learn that if repentance were, 
There would be recompense. 

She came and knelt, this fallen one, 
There trembling with her fears, 
She came there weeping for her sins, 
And bathed His feet with tears. 

She came not there, this erring one, 
Unto the Lord, in vain, 
He gracious there forgave her sins, 
And made her pure again. 

So all may come, though laden, they, 
With sins both base and vile, 
And by His act, He them will free, 
Of all their weight of guile. 



25 



So Jigs of Faith and Trust 



THE WILDERNESS OF DOUBT 

I wandered in a wilderness, 
A wilderness of doubt, 
And as I groped my way, 
None came to lead me out. 

I studied from the storied books, 
Of many an ancient sage, 
But found there no peace for me, 
Or light from wisdom's page. 

I studied then the mysteries 
Of th' heathen Gods of Old, 
But naught came to satisfy 
The longing of my soul. 

There was nothing there that told me 
The wherefore or the whence, 
And I groped on as ever, 
In th' forest, dark and dense. 

I then took the sacred volume, 
That had been read to me, 
As a fair haired child I knelt 
Beside my mother's knee. 

I read of an humble Being, 
And bowed my head in prayer, 
And a vision came to me 
That made my pathway clear. 



26 



Sonffs of Faith and Trust 



Clear was made the way before me, 
As there with faith I read, 
Free from doubt and misgivings, 
From th' wilderness it led. 



A PRAYER 

O ! Lord to Thee, O ! may I cling, 
And come to Thee in everything. 
Not only when lade with sorrow, 
But when there's a glad tomorrow. 

I feel in Thee there's peace and rest, 
So let me say Thou knowest best, 
Not what I will, but Thine be done, 
O ! let me say, from sun to sun. 

Should e'er my heart rebel, I pray, 
O! may I cast it far away. 
And should there come doubtful feeling, 
I be found before Thee kneeling. 

And asking Thee that Thou wilt guide, 
And bring to naught my haughty pride. 
And in my soul, Thou wilt instill, 
A mute obedience to Thy will. 



27 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



MAY NOT MY FAITH GROW COLD 

Inscrutable are Thy ways, O ! Lord, 
A mystery I behold, 
Because I cannot fathom them, 
May not my faith grow cold. 

There are a thousand mysteries here, 
That nature's treasures bring, 
Shall I ignore these blessings giv'n, 
Since I know not everything? 

May I not doubt or hesitate, 
As I read Thy bless'd word, 
The only hope that comes to me, 
Or man hath ever heard. 

But may I come to Thee, O ! Lord, 
Trusting, as little child, 
Feeling that Thou wilt then unfold 
Thy mysteries after while. 

When I have been so purified 
By faith, and doth await, 
I know all mystery Thou'll dispel, 
When comes that better state. 



28 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THERE'S A LIGHT THAT SHINETH 

There's a light that shineth, 
That shineth ever bright, 
It will light thy way 
Upon the darkest night. 

It is th' light that cometh, 
That cometh from above, 
That doth light thy way, 
With God's unbounded love. 

It led th' Hebrew children, 
From Egypt's darkened shore, 
And through th' wilderness, 
It ever went before. 

It led onward, onward, 
That ever wayward band, 
Carried them safely, 
Into the Promised Land. 

So it will guide thee on 
Through darkness, sorrow, care, 
To a safety hav'n, 
Thou canst not find elsewhere. 

May it ever guide thee, 
That blessed Heavenly light, 
For 'twill turn to day, 
The darkness of thy night. 

29 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



WHEN EVIL TEMPTS 

They climbed upon a mountain high, 
They climbed unto its height, 
Grandly before them, lay the world, 
Its kingdoms, glory, might. 

Then Satan said unto the Lord, 
All, all, that Thou doth see, 
I will give unto Thee, if Thou 
Wilt come and worship me. 

Then spoke our Lord to Satan there, 
This thou should well have known, 
There is One that we should worship, 
'Tis God and Him alone. 

'Twas then that Satan slunk away, 
With sullen, wrathful face, 
As to evil, must ever come, 
Its fruit, shame and disgrace. 

Then angels came in sympathy, 
Unto the Master there, 
And soothed his weary nature, 
With fondness, joy and care. 

Oh ! Lord ! we pray, give us the pow'r, 
When evil tempts the eye, 
That we may thus resist its wiles, 
And pass the tempter by. 



30 



Sonffs of Faith and Trust 



MY MASTER 

Go where I will, be where I may, 
His Word I will ever obey. 
He shed his blood, unworthy I, 
That I might live, and never die. 
Oh! gracious gift, unbounded love, 
Could only come from Heaven above. 
His life shall be my constant guide, 
In Him I will ever confide. 
His steps shall be the guide for me, 
Till I enter eternity. 
And then I know, with loving care, 
He'll be the One who'll meet me there. 



31 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THE GUIDING STAR 

There was one star that brightly shone, 
It came and stood there all alone, 
And to the wise men, seemed to say, 
Come, I will lead you on the way. 

And so it led them on, the wise, 
To where the sleeping infant lies, 
Was it a palace, grand and fair, 
Ah ! no, it was a stable there. 

No royal robes did there impress, 
Or welcome them as honored guest, 
But there they kneel, inspired by awe, 
As looking there, a God they saw. 

They see 'mid lowly scenes of earth, 
The place where there a God had birth, 
They presents give, frankincense, myrrh, 
And gloried that a God is here. 

Ah ! lowly ones, w r eep not, I pray, 
That thou must lead an humble way, 
Thy Lord, he came, thus here to bless 
The humble way of lowliness. 



32 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I KNELT BENEATH THE CROSS AND 
WEPT 

I knelt beneath the cross and wept, 
I knelt there all alone, 
That One, upon that cross had hung, 
My sins to there atone. 

I knelt beneath the cross and wept, 
That there, upon that tree, 
Had hung the One, who for my sins, 
Had died, a Deity. 

I knelt beneath the cross and wept, 
That so, my sins should be, 
That it would take, a God to come, 
And die, to set me free. 

I knelt beneath the cross and wept, 
My heart, depressed and torn, 
That I, unworthy e'er should be, 
Since One, my sins had borne. 

I knelt beneath the cross and wept, 
My heart was sick and sore, 
That I unworthy e'er had been, 
And vowed I'd sin no more. 



33 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



MY HEART IS FULL OF SORROW 

My heart is full of sorrow, 
And my life is full of care, 
The burden of my troubles, 
Seemeth more than I can bear. 

Who'll help me in these troubles? 
Who will render aid and care? 
Who'll lighten this, my burden? 
Make it so, that I can bear. 

Only one, I can think of, 
Only one, with promise fair, 
He th' one who beareth burdens, 
Helps the sorrowing everywhere. 

'Tis th' Holy one of Sorrows, 
He who came from realms unseen. 
Was in life a burden bearer, 
And a friend hath ever been. 



34 



Sonffs of Faith and Trust 



THE BIBLE 

Storehouse of knowledge, 
And wisdom profound, 
All in thy pages, 
There fully are found. 

Guide to good conduct, 
A mentor of truth, 
Good for the aged, 
And best for the youth. 

There, food for the mind, 
And food for the heart, 
All needs for the man, 
Thy words doth impart. 

Teacher of life here, 
Another to be, 
Which only is found 
By study of thee. 

No hope is there found 
For penitent soul, 
Save the promises, 
Thy pages unfold. 

Ever thou giveth 
Solace for each need, 
If we but obey, 
Thy precepts, we 'heed. 

Inspired are thy words, 
From Being divine, 
Guiding the footsteps 
Of all humankind. 

35 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



As passeth each day, 
Take we of thy store, 
The more that we take, 
We long for the more. 

Mine inexhaustible, 
Treasures, thou doth hold, 
Faith, Hope, Charity, 
The Graces threefold. 



THE LOVE OF GOD 

Though troubles come, 
And passions rage, 
Thy love, O! God, 
Will them assuage. 

Thy love dispel 
Each shadow, gloom, 
Though they be dark 
As be the tomb. 

Ah! soothing balm, 
That doth unfold, 
And penetrate 
The very soul. 

Brings peace, that words 
Cannot express, 
And only known 
To those so blessed. 

36 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THERE IS A LAND 

There is a land, we've passed it by, 
Far in the past, the regions lie. 

We thought that there, as we passed through, 
A better one, we'd soon come to. 

That farther on, 'twould be more bright, 
We'd see more joy, and more delight. 

But passing on, there came a sigh, 
'Twas not so fair, as one passed by. 

And farther on, we took our way, 
Our thoughts would turn to times away. 

The days around, as on we'd go, 
Seemed not so bright, as long ago. 

Oh ! may it be, as on we pass, 
A better land, will come at last. 

And may we not there breathe a sigh, 
For this old world that we've passed by? 

May we there meet those who were dear, 
Who passing on hath left us here. 

And all that's good that we have seen, 
Oh ! may it come to us again. 



37 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THE WAY TO HEAVEN 

There is a way to Heaven, 
But it is paved with love, 
And on it must we tread, 
To reach those realms above. 

There is a sign that guideth, 
Along that Heavenly way, 
It is the sign of faith, 
Which points from day to day. 

No reasoning sign will lead us, 
Along that Heavenly route, 
But 'twill ever lead one, 
Into the land of doubt. 

A wilderness, where many, 
The good, the true, the kind, 
Are lost in trying to solve 
The mysteries divine. 

Then, if thou'd have peace of mind, 
And hope of Heaven to see, 
Let love and faith together, 
Be ones that guideth thee. 



38 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



SHE HATH DONE WHAT SHE COULD 

(Mark 14:8) 

How many are here, 

Of whom you can say, 

They have done what they could, 

As they travel life's way? 

How many who think 
Of aiding some other, 
As part of life's duties, 
As they travel together? 

She hath done what she could. 
Oh ! it touches my heart, 
And the spirit of the Lord 
Doth its fervor impart. 

I see a frail being, 
Who's burdened with care, 
But her life's full of good, 
As she goes here and there. 

She tenderly speaks 
To each sufPring one, 
Her heart it is for good, 
Till life's battle is done. 

I see her, she stands 
At Heaven's fair gate, 
Where angels do ever 
For the worthy await. 
39 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



"Who cometh?" The reply, 
"She hath done what she could." 
A moment is passed, 
Before her Master she stood. 

Is welcomed with joy, 
Her heart had the leav'n, 
To make her full worthy, 
For the Kingdom of Heav'n. 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THERE'S AN INFINITE LONGING 

There's an infinite longing for something, 
For something more perfect and sublime, 
Than ever has come here, unto man, 
Since distance has been measured by time. 

A something that is wanting, yes, wanting, 
No condition hath ever fulfilled, 
And man is seeking, ever seeking, 
For a state that is far better still. 

Conditions around are so contrary, 
When we think, cast our vision about, 
A thousand things are upon us, 
To cause in us the spirit of doubt. 

As to what the ultimate end will be, 
That existence may stop at the grave, 
And death will claim our being complete, 
And nothing be, from the wreckage, to save. 

Oh, avaunt! away, thou grave doubt from my 

heart, 
This longing for what we cannot define, 
But tells us there's that, grander and better, 
To be supplied by a Being divine. 

The Great Cause, in its infinite wisdom, 
Hath ever done what was proper and mete, 
Then, why, in the existence and being of man, 
Should something be left wanting, incomplete? 

4i 



Sonffs of Faith and Trust 



AM I AFRAID TO TREAD THE PATH? 

Am I afraid to tread the path, 
Where others have gone before? 
Am I afraid to venture out, 
Upon that unknown shore? 

Where father, mother, both have gone, 
And many, friend and brother, 
Will I stand back and hesitate, 
And fear to venture further? 

O! no, I will not be afraid, 
To go on that unknown sea, 
For I have a trusty Pilot, 
That has ever guided me. 

Maybe uncertain is the way, 
And there, a tempestuous tide, 
I fear no danger, for my Lord 
Doth with me ever abide. 

I know, as He hath led me here, 
Through trouble, sorrow and care, 
So faith I have He'll still lead me 
To a haven, safe and fair. 



42 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I WEPT 

I wept and wept and wept, 
My heart was sere and sore, 
I wept for friends now gone, 
Till I could weep no more. 

And sighing then, o'er me, 
A melancholy spread, 
And then a voice spoke, 
It spoke thus of the dead. 

It said, weep not, I pray, 
There is no cause to weep, 
Thy loved ones are not dead, 
But only gone to sleep. 

I saw the mourners weeping, 
One touched the little girl, 
And proved this truth by speaking 
Unto a doubting world. 

And joy filled my heart, 
With gladness, as I heard, 
For 'twas my Master spoke 
Thus soothingly the word. 



43 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I'M STOPPING HERE 

I'm stopping here 
A little while, 
Then pass away 
As doth a smile. 

Though I plod on 
From year to year, 
I'm soon forgot 
As passing tear. 

Today, I'm here, 
In joys round, 
Tomorrow laid 
Beneath the ground. 

Then here, no more, 
You'll hear of me, 
For I'll be lost 
In eternity. 

Some live a while 
On history's roll ; 
Recorded there, 
Their deeds are told. 

They, too, will soon, 
Soon pass away, 
As th' world moves on 
From day to day. 

44 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



A thousand years, 
And scarce a name 
Will you then hear 
Now known to fame. 

Forgotten, save 
When one doth look, 
And find it writ 
Within some book. 

So, I'm convinced 
Life's but a school, 
And Earth is but 
The vestibule. 

For th' great beyond; 
The life to be, 
Where all will live 
Eternally. 

There'll be one plane, 
Where all will stand, 
When we've entered 
That promised land. 

No servants there, 
No masters there, 
But all will be 
In God's own care. 

No high, no low, 
No great, no small, 
But all will be 
As one in all. 

45 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



WHY SHOULD I MOURN? 

Why should I mourn as friends pass by, 
I know the soul will never die, 
This body, it will onward pass, 
And lying, mould beneath the grass ? 
Not so, the spirit there within, 
A new life, it will then begin, 
A life we have the promise sure, 
That's better far, more worthy, pure, 
Than man could ever here conceive, 
Or seeing, here could e'er believe, 
Purified in life's testing pot, 
Prepared then, for a better lot 
Than ever here assigned to man. 
Though many may not stand the test, 
And see the state that's of the blest, 
We hope another test there'll be, 
That none, an endless death will see, 
Or any suffer eternally, 
For mercy should have highest place 
For all, before the Throne of Grace. 



46 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



OH, WEARY ONE 

Oh, weary one, 
Burdened with care, 
Heavier laden 
Than thou can bear. 

Would you have one 
Lighten thy load, 
Easier make it 
Over the road? 

Easier make it 
Than you have trod, 
Turn, then, thy thoughts 
Unto thy God. 

To thy Master, 
He rejects none, 
Sorrowing daughter, 
Penitent son. 

All are welcome, 
All have a share 
In His mercies, 
Obtained by prayer. 



?? 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



COME WHAT THERE WILL 

Come what there will, or come what may, 
Oh ! may I never see the day 
That I will cast Thy love aw T ay, 
This, oh ! Lord, I humbly pray. 

When troubles come, and glooms oppress, 
And I feel that I cannot rest, 
Oh ! may I seek Thy welcome breast, 
And humbly say, Thou knowest best. 

When days there come, the days that're bright, 
And I feel strong, and in my might, 
As we do when all things go right, 
May I still feel I'm in Thy sight. 

It matters not what be my state, 
Though there be gloom, or joy's my mate, 
May I not feel on chance I wait, 
But in Thy hand, there lies my fate. 



48 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



WE LOOK UPON THE SKY 

We look upon the sky, 
And what there do we see ? 
Love blushing sweetly there, 
In radiant beauty. 

We look upon the fields, 
Upon the forest wild, 
What there do then we see 
But love's own winning smile? 

We gaze upon the ocean, 
We look upon the sea, 
And what do we behold, 
But love, that's ever free? 

Gaze, then, where'er you will, 
Look, then, where'er you may, 
There, you will then see love, 
Though night, or bright the day. 

Oh ! nature holds the hand 
Of love, we all may see, 
Free from a hand divine, 
Hand of Divinity. 

So look we everywhere. 
And find that love is nigh, 
And see how One above, 
Could come and for us die. 



49 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



DAYS MAY COME AND DAYS MAY GO 

Days may come and days may go, 
The summer's sun, the winter's snow, 
But this I'll do, and this, I know, 
Good seed, while here, that I will sow. 

That as I go, and in my wake, 
A better form the world will take, 
A happier land, I'll help to make, 
As Thou, who died for others' sake. 

This I know, and know it's true, 
Happier I'll be, as good I do, 
For one cannot with good pass through, 
Without the reflex of it, too. 

Things that're fair doth take the eye, 
And happier make the passer-by, 
The bad cannot with goodness vie, 
But only comes to bring a sigh. 

Then let thy life be made for good, 
For universal brotherhood, 
Not what thy will, but what thou should, 
For which thy Master ever stood. 



50 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THERE WAS A MODEST VIOLET 

There was a modest violet, 
That bloomed beneath a hill, 
The sweetness from that little thing, 
Did all the valley fill. 

It bloomed alone in beauty, 
This little violet there, 
But sweetness from its being, 
Gave joy to the air. 

Thus there are many with us, 
Who lead a quiet way, 
And bless the world in duty, 
As goes the passing day. 

They lead a life that's humble, 
In meekness they are found, 
But by a life of kindness 
Shed Heaven's light around. 



51 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THERE IS SO MUCH TO PLEASE THE 
EYE 

There is so much to please the eye, 
There is so much to tempt the eye, 
Man in his handiwork doth vie 
Almost with God. 
Oh ! man, thy mind doth beautify, 
And make things pleasing to the eye, 
Would that thy heart might equal be 
Unto thy ingenuity. 
Then, we would see the world, I ween, 
Whaf Eden's garden once hath been, 
We would not see a vale of tears, 
Where beauty here, her head she rears, 
And sorrow would from earth depart, 
As comes perfection to the heart. 



5? 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



SACRIFICE 

I stood, where stood the brave and true, 
Upon a gory field, 

I stood, where cannon there had hurled 
An avalanche of steel. 

I stood, where clashing armies met, 
And fields were rank with gore, 
And ran the blood on earth of green, 
As ne'er it ran before. 

As there I stood, and viewed the rows 
Of mounds on mounds of dead, 
I wondered if the love of God, 
From earth, fore'er had fled. 

Ah ! no, I said, it cannot be, 
This suffering, anguish, pain, 
Is to remind forgetful man 
To turn to Him again. 

That truth, and right, and all that goes 

To make of life a prize, 

Is only brought unto man here, 

By deeds of Sacrifice. 



53 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THINK NOT, OH, MAN! 

Think not, oh, Man! that gain of gold 

Will satisfy the longing soul, 

Pile! Pile! thy coffers mountain high, 

Yet it will fail to satisfy 

The deep desire of nature's heart 

For something better, to impart 

To life a nobler, grander end. 

Then, oh, then ! let thy thoughts commend 

To thee a life, that from the skies, 

Came down to spend in sacrifice 

For others, and from whom ne'er was heard 

By deed, or act, or careless word, 

A sigh of vain regret. 



54 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



MANSIONS FAIR 

Oh ! think not thou, that mansions fair 
Will to this life contentment bear. 
'Tis not the house in which we live, 
Doth to this life, contentment give! 

It's how we live, and how we do, 
That makes for good for me or you. 
And not the houses which we build, 
Will bring us peace, and give good will. 

In shepherd cot, on mountain side, 
More happiness may there reside 
Than in the mansion, rich and fair, 
That hath not peace within its care. 

Oh ! give me then, the vineclad cot, 
Where Christian love is not forgot, 
Than any mansion, rich and fair, 
That doth not for the Master care. 

Then let thy home forever be 
A place for Christian charity. 
Then it will be the best of all, 
It matters not how large, how small. 



55 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I WAS BY SOME MYSTERIOUS FANCY 
LED 

I was by some mysterious fancy, led 
Unto the place where rest the dead, 
And as I trod from tomb to tomb, 
My heart was laden there with gloom. 

I saw where rest the young and fair, 
And where the aged was buried there, 
The place where all those here must go, 
Be they your friend, or be your foe. 

I sighed, for I was there oppressed 
With all that comes from loneliness, 
I felt the ones, who friendship bore, 
Were now the ones who were no more. 

And as I there oppressed would be, 
A voice came, and spoke to me, 
It said, the body with earth must blend, 
But that will not be yet the end. 

The seed, to earth, then by its power, 
Comes the blushing, blooming flower, 
So, too, thy body must thus decay, 
Before there comes the brighter day. 

A gladness quickened then my breast, 
I said, there's One who knoweth best, 
For none can be alone e'er long, 
When comes the song of angel throng. 

56 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THE MISSIONARY 

Gracious Master, I'll thee obey, 
Show me the path, O ! lead the way, 
Go preach the Gospel, everywhere, 
Shall be my burden and my care. 
Though it be far, 'mid arctic snow, 
I am ready now, to ever go, 
Or, w T here the torrid sun holds sway, 
I am ready down my life to lay. 
Amid the jungle's dark expanse, 
To give th' heathen deliverance 
From sin, yes, I'll go to any clime, 
And spend this life's allotted time, 
My life, I offer, it, I'll give, 
Among the heathen there to live, 
Teach them that Thou, the One Divine, 
Art the only Saviour of mankind. 



57 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



OH! DEATH, YOUR POWER I DEFY 

Oh ! Death, your power I defy, 
I know this truth, I'll never die, 
This spirit that within doth dwell, 
Will not be subject to your spell. 

This body here, you'll take away, 
And you may have this mass of clay, 
But that which moved, controlled it here, 
That you should take, I do not fear. 

Your sway is matter, not of mind, 
You go not o'er the earth's confine, 
Here you doth rule with regal state, 
All things at your behest await. 

Fair haired youth, and tottering age, 
The arrant fool, and wisdom's sage, 
Alike, obey your potent will, 
And go, your ranks, each day, to fill. 

You break the bonds that hold one fast, 
Your work is done, it cannot last, 
You take me to a portal fair, 
But you can never enter there. 

You are a circumstance of earth, 
And not a part of the new birth, 
A heritage that comes to me, 
When I enter eternity. 



58 



Sonffs of Faith and Trust 



I'M BUT A PEBBLE 

I'm but a pebble on life's shore, 
As hither thrown from restless sea, 
And know not whither I may go, 
Or what my end perchance may be. 

But this I know, its waves may cast, 
May cast me here, or throw me there, 
But in the end, there'll be a place 
Of safety, found for me somewhere. , 

There's a Being who guides the waves, 
As lashing, dash they on life's shore, 
And He will my protector be, 
As He has been to thousands more. 

I fear not what the end may be, 
Nor do I fear life's tossing sea, 
Since there came a God on earth, 
Who suffered here, and died for me. 



59 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I FOUND A JEWEL 

I found a jewel, fairer far 
Than diamond, opal, pearl, 
It was a jewel that would win 
The heart of all the world. 

It was a gem that all might have, 
If they'd but think and will, 
For it comes not from ocean deep, 
Nor mined beneath the hill. 

'Twas something each might carry well, 
As passing went the day, 
For none would come and steal that gem, 
And carry it away. 

It hath a charm to reach the heart, 
Hot feeling to allay, 
At any time that one might heed, 
To bring it into play. 

What jewel then, is fairer far, 
Than ear hath ever heard? 
It is the one that each doth have, 
Who carry a kind word. 



60 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



SOME TIME I SIGH 

Some time I sigh, 
That I must die, 
And to this world 
Say a good-bye. 

But then again, 
A joy, I feel, 
Before the Lord, 
I soon will kneel. 

And then from me, 
I cast the sigh, 
For I must live, 
And never die. 

I know not what 
It may be there, 
But feel it is 
A land that's fair. 

Naught is there here 
To tell us where, 
Or even if 
A future's there. 

We only know 
What we have heard 
The Master said, 
By His own word. 

61 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



We only know 
What we are told, 
A future state, 
Man can't unfold. 

To him, such pow'r 
Was never given, 
But knowledge came 
Of One from Heaven. 

It matters not 
What we may feel, 
Another life 
Is a reveal. 

Naught is there here 
To tell us what 
The future is, 
Or what's our lot. 

There's nothing here, 
No flow'r nor clod, 
That tells us that 
There is a God. 

The tongue of man, 
In this, is mute, 
Such is the truth, 
None can refute. 

The fool hath said 
There is no God, 
That all doth end 
Us, with the sod. 
62 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



The wise man says 
That is not so, 
There is a God, 
And this, we know. 

For he believes 
What One hath said, 
Who, for our sins, 
Hath meekly bled. 

From what man sees, 
May show design, 
His vision, though, 
Is Earth's confine. 

Man's power here 
Is to combine, 
But to create, 
That is divine. 



63 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THEY TELL ME OF A DREAMLESS 
NIGHT 

They tell me of a dreamless night, 
That after death will be, 
And all that will remain to me 
Will be a memory. 

My self will be as naught that was, 
And nothing yet to be, 
For I will be a nothingness 
In vast eternity. 

I heed not such an idle dream 
That such there is for me, 
I am, I am, a conscious being, 
And thus, shall ever be. 

I have a fixed identity, 

A heritage of mine, 

And so, with every living soul 

That breathes as human kind. 

Time, nor tide, nor death, can ever 
Take this fond boon from me, 
I'm one, an individual soul 
For all eternity. 

I know this, for it comes to me 
By a reveal divine, 
And it will not be cast aside 
By some disordered mind. 

64 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



JESUS AND THE WOMAN TAKEN IN 
ADULTERY 

They brought her there, in stern array 
The Scribe and Pharisee, 
And said unto the Master there, 
What judgment now from Thee? 

The Master wrote upon the ground 
In silence; then he said, 
Cast first the stone, thou guiltless one, 
And looking up, they all had fled. 

Where are they, who would thee accuse ? 
Are none, who witness bore? 
None Lord. Then, I'll not thee condemn, 
Go, thou, and sin no more. 



65 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD 
SAMARITAN 

A victim by the roadside lay, 
And soon there came a priest that way, 
Ah me! he sighed, what woe betide! 
And quickly passed on th' other side. 

Again another journeyed past, 

A Levite of the purest cast, 

He gave a look, where th' victim lay, 

And quickly hastened on his way. 

Again there came a stranger by, 
The suffering victim caught his eye, 
He stopped, and to the sufferer went, 
And soothed his wounds with ointment. 

He placed him on his beast to ride, 
And patiently, walked he by his side, 
Unto the inn where they gave rest, 
And there he left him as his guest. 

Forget not, on life's journey, lay 
Many a victim by the way, 
Then pass not by on th' other side, 
Unmindful, for him to provide. 

The Master said, thy neighbors 're those, 
Who help relieve the sufferer's woes. 
So all they who relieve distress, 
Are worthy of His blessedness. 

66 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I HEARD A SONG OF LOVE 

I heard a song of love, 
It came from th' path of sin, 
A young heart sorrowing, 
Which once had pure been. 

It spoke, a gentle flow'r, 
Plucked from the path of truth, 
A heart falsely betrayed, 
In th' innocence of youth. 

The burden of her song, 
'Twas more than she could bear, 
And as she touched the harp, 
A teardrop glistened there. 

It told of a burden, 
A burden of the soul, 
Of one who had wandered 
Away from duty's fold. 

I said, sing on, fair one, 
Thou'll not remain with sin, 
Your tears are a pledge, 
Thy better soul will win. 

The door's ever open, 

No penitent, erring child, 

Was ever turned away 

From th' Master's waiting smile. 



67 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THE DEAD 

Amid those scenes, I wandered there, 
That long were past and fled, 
And gathered up the scattered threads, 
That bound me to the dead. 

I sat beneath the linden tree, 
Its boughs, their shadows spread, 
As oft I sat with one I loved, 
Who now is with the dead. 

I lingered on the path we trod, 
What joy was in that tread, 
As oft she came to meet me there, 
But now she's with the dead. 

I listened to the red bird's song, 
How oft that voice hath said, 
That you must come and think of me, 
'Twill sing when I am dead. 

I stood within the churchyard there, 
On tombs, the words I read, 
Of the loved ones who were no more, 
But now were with the dead. 

I bowed my head, 'twas there alone, 
That tears, my feelings fed, 
For the loved ones, who were no more, 
But now were with the dead. 



68 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



Then came this thought to fill my mind, 
Of what my Master said, 
That God is God of the living, 
And not God of the dead. 

And in my heart there came a cheer, 
And sadness from it sped, 
That the loved ones, they still do live, 
Though we may call them dead. 



59 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I SEEM TO TREAD THIS WORLD ALONE 

I seem to tread this world alone, 

For friends who were, are gone, 

Who gladdened youth, in all their truth, 

When life was in its morn. 

I walk now past the old school house, 
It sits upon a hill, 
There's joy there, upon the air, 
But none my heart to fill. 

I go, where were the scenes of youth, 
When it was in its prime, 
But find not there, the young who were, 
Because of robber Time. 

I meet around the festive board, 
Where joy's scenes are rife, 
But none are there, as once they were, 
When I began this life. 

Then so it is, that I tread on, 
With sadness in my soul, 
For I am sad, with others glad, 
As on my course I hold. 

But there's a gleam, that comes afar, 
To lighten sadness here, 
From body free, then we will see 
The friends who once were dear. 



70 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



HAPPINESS 

Happiness, it is not a boon, 

We can enjoy all alone, 

It is a thing that is the best 

When we with it do others vest. 

To others we it then must give, 

If we would so the happier live. 

How sweet the gentle flowers bloom, 

Do they their odor then consume? 

Ah ! no, their sweetness on the air 

Doth greet each one who cometh there. 

Ah ! songster bird, sweet is thy tone, 

S ingest thou, yea, but not alone. 

The music that you warblers bear, 

Makes it a joy to linger there. 

Oh ! bubbling stream, as on you go, 

You quench the thirsty, as you flow, 

For at your bank, you none deny, 

To come and sip, as you go by. 

And twinkling stars, you shed your light, 

To give another world delight, 

As sitting in thy radiant gleam, 

Thy beauty pours an endless stream. 

Oh ! Nature, you, your bounties give, 

To teach us how to happier live. 



7i 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I LOST A GEM 

I lost a gem 
Within the sea, 
No greater loss 
Could come to me. 

The sea of life, 
Before me spread, 
Within its maw 
My youth was dead. 

It went from me, 
It went in haste, 
And all around 
Me, then was waste. 

My youth was lost, 
The rad'ant gem, 
The brightest star 
In life's diadem. 

Oh! may there come 
Another time, 
I'll nurture then, 
This youth sublime. 

A life anew, 
Oh! may I find 
This priceless gem 
That once was mine. 

And may it be, 
That it will stay, 
And from me then 
Not pass away. 
72 



Sonffs of Faith and Trust 



THE MYSTIC ISLE 

There is an isle that's far away, 
Amid the southern seas, 
There is no air that lingers there, 
But's sweet upon the breeze. 

The birds in multitudes, there fling 
Their sweet songs on the air, 
And 'tis a ravishing delight 
To sit and listen there. 

The sun, it shines much brighter there, 
The moon is more serene, 
The stars seem to be closer, too, 
Than I have ever seen. 

The waves, they softly touch this isle, 
There is no raging deep, 
The sweetness and the beauty there, 
Doth lull the sea to sleep. 

Ah ! ever blooming flowers there, 
Are rich in colors rare, 
For nothing but the fairest thing 
Could have a dwelling there. 

I saw this isle, as skimming on, 
My vessel raced the sea, 
But though there swiftly on, I went, 
It ne'er came near to me. 

Oh ! could I reach that isle, I thought, 
Then would I live at ease, 
With nothing there to mar my life, 
But everything to please. 

73 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



So in this life, as on we go, 
This isle is just ahead, 
But we do never reach it here, 
Oh ! may we, when we're dead ! 



BE BRAVE 

Be brave, be constant, kind and true, 
And do as you'd have others do, 
And then in life, you'll have a place, 
'Twould do him well, a King to grace. 

Each one, a Sovereign Realm doth hold, 
Each one is master of his soul, 
Each one, a Sovereign King may be 
Within the eyes of Deity. 

Each one doth have a living soul, 
A spirit within, here to unfold, 
This heritage doth each possess, 
No power here can ever wrest. 

Then fret not, thou, or thou complain, 
And from thy murmurings thou refrain, 
For thy destiny's at thy will, 
A place on earth is thine to fill. 



74 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THERE IS A JOURNEY 

There is a journey I dare not make, 
I dare not make, alone, 
But I must have One with me there, 
Who did for me atone. 

If He is with me on that way, 
I need not fear the road, 
For He will light the burden there, 
Whatever be the load. 

O ! may He then companion be, 

A guide upon my way, 

Then I will pass through shadows dark, 

Unto the Blessed Day. 



75 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



WHEN I AM OLD 

When I am old, 

And friends grow cold, 

And life seems a dreary waste, 

Wilt thou impart 

Unto my heart, 

O! Lord, sustaining grace? 

May I not fear, 

With thy good cheer, 

Life's sadly closing hour, 

For from thy word, 

Is ever heard, 

Hope's strong impelling power. 



76 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I FEAR NO EARTHQUAKE'S SHOCK 

I fear no earthquake's shock, 
That horrifies the soul, 
With wreckage in its path, 
'Tis awful to behold. 

Nor the lightning's flash, 
The thunder's om'nous roll, 
That terrifies the weak, 
And tests the heart that's bold. 

I fear not the pestilence, 
That o'er the land doth spread, 
And fills the heart of man, 
With horror and with dread. 

I fear not the cyclone, 
The monsoon's awful sweep, 
The raging of the storm, 
The lashing of the deep. 

For with their violence, 
And all their wreckage wrought, 
They may have killed th' body, 
But never killed a thought. 

The fear that comes to me, 
Is the siren's sweet song, 
That captivates the heart, 
Makes sweet the path of wrong. 

Rage on, ye elements, 
With death within thy hold, 
Yet never have you brought 
Destruction to the soul. 

77 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



I fear not that you take 
The body for your toll, 
But I do fear what comes 
With death, unto my soul. 

OH! MAY THERE NOT COME IN MY 
HEART 

Oh ! may there not come in my heart 
The passion here to slay, 
Or from one creature here on earth, 
To take its life away. 

Oh! that within man's soul, there might 
That happy feeling come, 
That would bring to this earth of ours, 
That bright millennium. 

When lion and the lamb will join 
Their ways in peaceful rest, 
And th' feathered ones will find it safe 
Within the adder's nest. 

What joy would there be on earth, 
What magic in the spell, 
No words that are, or e'er will be, 
Could half the joy tell. 

Then innocence would have its own, 
Its power, the earth would sway, 
And we would know, a thousand years, 
How it could be a day. 

78 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



OH! LORD, GIVE ME THE POWER 
STRONG 

Oh ! Lord, give me the power strong, 
That I discern the right from wrong, 
That I may know what is the right, 
And do it, then, with all my might. 

Teach me the right, lead Thou the way, 
That I must go from day to day, 
May I not turn aside or stray, 
Though all th' world go another way. 

Oh ! may no day or time e'er come, 
Ah ! rather be this voice dumb, 
Before there'll come from me, one word, 
Conscience will not approve, when heard. 

Let my conviction be e'er strong, 
Nor turn aside by clamoring throng, 
To do what, I deem not the best, 
It matters not at whose behest. 

For he is best, w r ho will defend, 
What he deems right, unto the end, 
Whate'er the place, where he may wait, 
Before the low, or high estate. 



79 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THE WHIRLIGIG OF TIME 

The whirligig of Time, 
Had caught him in his prime, 
And sorrow laid him low. 
But a merry, cheerful face, 
Did the mark of gloom erase, 
As he battled with the foe. 

This is what I firmly hold, 
And advise both young and old, 
That they get within the heart, 
All the cheer from Heaven above, 
All the glow of Christian love, 
And their sorrows will depart. 



80 



Sonffs of Faith and Trust 



FINISHED 

It is finished, oh ! portentous word, 

Man, ne'er before nor since, such word hath heard, 

And while it fell upon the air, 

A life supreme was ended there, 

For, on the cross, the Saviour dies, 

A God, supreme, in sacrifice. 

The earth, it trembled then in awe, 

The people, frightened, as they saw 

There, before them, walk the dead, 

And then, in haste and terror, fled. 

For Saints came forth from tombs, to see 

The world where died a Deity, 

So strong had upon them pressed 

The burden of world's wickedness. 

The temple's veil was rent in twain, 

Never to be the same again, 

Th' heathen soldier, as 'round the cross he trod, 

Bowed his head, and said there died a God. 

Oh ! nations, peoples, this scene should bring 

Unto thy heart, the anguish, sorrow, sting 

Of shame, repentance and remorse, 

That One, for thee should die upon th' cross. 

Oh! turn thou, and then, ceaseless, pray 

For strength to drive thy guilt away, 

That, worthy, thou mightst ever be, 

To meet the God who died for thee. 



81 



Songs of Faith and Trust 



THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT 

Oh ! this life, this life is a wonderful life, 

A wonderful life to behold, 

And God, in His infinite wisdom, 

Its mysteries, in time, will unfold. 

Then, why does the mind of man, vain man, 
With its idle speculation, 
Try to fathom the problems and wonders 
That are hid in life's creation? 

To pry into the why of the mysteries, 
God, in His wisdom, hath not told, 
And thus shake faith in what has been given 
By reveal, to quiet the soul ? 

Is it not enough, this beautiful life 
Adoration man's being should fill? 
And, with patience, he should then await 
A further expression of God's will. 

Out on thee! life's pernicious disturber, 
Who, here on our pathway is found, 
Who would destroy our faith and our trust, 
As he makes his journeys around. 

Sagely discussing the wherefore and whence, 
Who'd theorize as to our God, 
When he cannot solve the birth of a weed 
Or the grass, that here makes the sod. 

He is the unprofitable servant, 
The story in the scripture is found, 
Who took the talent his Master had given, 
And, ruthless, buried it in the ground. 
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Songs of Faith and Trust 



THE SOLILOQUY OF AGE 

While most of life is far behind, 
Shall I then grieve, and thus repine, 
And make the years remaining here, 
To be less fruitful or less dear? 

^h ! no, the years that do remain, 
Each passing hour, some good I'll gain, 
To fit me for the aftermath, 
The joys of which doth come by faith. 

I know an after life will be, 
Then why will it not come to me, 
If lovely flow'rs will not remain, 
But die, and then they bloom again? 

For winter here is death's repose, 
For all the life in fields that grows, 
And death is but a passing sleep, 
When we will wake, but not to weep. 

If here we've made a garden fair, 
A better one, we will find there, 
When all the good that we have done, 
Will gladden there the Blessed One. 



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Songs of Faith and Trust 



DRIFTING 

I am drifting, drifting, drifting 
On life's tide, that's ever shifting, 
But with thoughts, pure, uplifting, 
Faith, I have, in harbor fair, 
I will be at anchor there. 

For a promise has been spoken, 
Comes from out the past, unbroken, 
And, to me, a precious token, 
That I'm in a Saviour's care, 
Who will safely guide me there. 

And this promise, so appealing, 
That it takes my ev'ry feeling, 
And I'm found at His cross kneeling, 
Praying for that better day, 
With my sins all washed away. 



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Songs of Faith and Trust 



OH! GRACE DIVINE 

A gleaming light athwart the sky, 
A trem'lous star, there, hanging high, 
Led the wise men on their way, 
To where the sleeping infant lay. 

They travelled 'cross the desert far, 
Were lost, 'till came this gleaming star, 
By faith, they followed. Oh! Grace, divine, 
That can possess the human mind. 

So, all who seek, by faith, may find 
The wish that doth possess their mind, 
Some star will come to lead the way, 
To where their hearts' desires lay. 

Thus, from the past, these lessons come 
To those who are not blind nor dumb, 
To what is found upon the shore 
Of ages, that have gone before. 



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Songs of Faith and Trust 



THE SONG OF THE ANGELS 

The sweetest song that e'er was sung, 
Was when the angels th' message brung 
In song, "Peace and good will on earth, 
For there has been a Saviour's birth." 

The drowsy shepherds, 'roused were they, 
And stood aghast with fear, dismay, 
But when, so sweet, there came the sound, 
It made their hearts with joy bound. 

And hastening, thence they made their way, 
And sought the place where th' young child lay, 
This blessed boon, of virgin birth, 
First told to lowly here of earth. 

Oh ! would each one might joy bring, 
Be each heart here attuned to sing 
A song of peace and good will here, 
As greeted there the shepherds' ear. 

And might each one here hastening, find 
Some blessing here to aid mankind, 
Then, would there be a world of flowers, 
And joy would fill th' fleeting hours. 



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Songs of Faith and Trust 



THE STORY FROM A BOOK 

I found an old forgotten book, 

As through the pages there I look, 

I find a name that's written there, 

Who once was young, who once was fair. 

I see a mark, at here a place, 
And there a place, where thought would trace, 
And then would note some beauty spot, 
By mem'ry must not be forgot. 

And, as I read, and onward read, 
I think how time, with thoughtless speed, 
Hath changed this one, hath dimmed the eye, 
And then, there comes to me a sigh. 

That youth, and beauty, could not stay, 
And be as bright and fair to-day 
As are the thoughts, as noted there, 
That are as bright as once they were. 

Oh ! gems of thought, that do remain 
When those who write, in graves are lain, 
That tell me thoughts do never die, 
Immortal they, as years go by. 

And he who bears immortal things, 
Must be a part of what he brings, 
Thus, too, I must with firmness hold, 
Man hath within, immortal soul. 



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Songs of Faith and Trust 



MY FAITH IN THEE 

Oh! Lord, I pray, my faith in Thee 
Shall ever be as it should be, 
None may come, with arrant pride, 
And ever turn that faith aside. 

May it be as river's flowing, 
To the ocean ever going, 
Till it's lost within the sea, 
So, my faith be lost in Thee. 

Come there none with woe betiding, 
That shall shake my soul's confiding, 
And though troubles follow me, 
May my faith the stronger be. 

As my life is growing longer, 
May my faith grow ever stronger, 
Till with Thee, I am at rest, 
Housed upon my Saviour's breast. 

Oh! th' joy of faith unfolding, 
Food that's for the soul's upholding, 
Adding gladness to our being, 
As doubt's shadows then are fleeing. 



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Songs of Faith and Trust 



MY CONSTANT FRIEND 

There is a friend, where'er I am, 
Or I perchance may be, 
I find him ever with me there, 
In truth and constancy. 

It matters not where I may go, 
In town or forest deep, 
Or in the crowded, busy mart, 
Where men their duties keep. 

Though I'm alone, I'm not alone, 
I find communion there, 
Whene'er I feel, and meekly kneel, 
I meet this friend in prayer. 

Though comes the time, as it must be, 
When other friends grow cold, 
And by their manner and their look, 
Doth vex my very soul. 

This friend of mine is never thus, 
Though sorrows bow me down, 
I'm always met with sweet response, 
And never with a frown. 

Who is this constant friend of mine, 
Who ever true hath been ? 
None other than my Saviour, Lord, 
The lowly Nazarene. 



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Songs of Faith and Trust 



ALL MY WORDS ARE NOTHINGNESS 

All my words are nothingness, 
Unless they go, some one to bless, 
Some one to give a word of cheer, 
And make them feel a God is near. 

For every deed, and every word, 
Should be as if a God had heard, 
And passing thoughts, my soul should say, 
I'm cheering you, on life's dark way. 

Some kind word, a passing token, 
To heal th' heart that hath been broken, 
To quicken hope, and brighten day, 
And drive the gloomy clouds away. 

Now soft, now low, as on I go, 
Dispelling anguish, soothing woe, 
That all might feel, and all might see, 
That I partake of Deity. 



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Songs of Faith and Trust 



I CAST A LOOK 

I cast a look into the past, 
I saw a figure, wee and small, 
And as it nearer to me came, 
There was a being strong and tall. 

Into the future, then I looked, 
And when my vision there I cast, 
'Twas there I saw a bowed form, 
Before my eye to slowly pass. 

And then I said, is this, the all, 
This course that man now here has run, 
Oh! can it be this is the end, 
And his existence now is done? 

My very soul revolts, the thought 
That man, so Godlike, thus must fall, 
And be as withered leaf cast off, 
And then to say, of life, that's all. 

It cannot be, all nature speaks, 
And gives us here a lesson true, 
For with the cycling seasons, comes 
A promise that life will renew. 



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Songs of Faith and Trust 



SAW THE LAND OF THE PROPHETS 

I saw the land of the prophets, 
The land my Saviour saw, 
And I was filled with wonder, 
My heart was filled with awe. 

I pondered there in the garden, 
Where my Lord, in anguish, bled, 
I saw the place where trusted ones, 
In fear, from Him had fled. 

And I sighed, the being of man 
Was even thus to-day, 
That from the call of sacrifice, 
He quickly flees away. 

I stood where they came to take Him, 
With sword and spear and stave, 
And there came unto me the words, 
He there in wisdom gave. 

I followed the path where the mob 
Had led Him to the cross, 
I saw the place where He had died, 
And it filled me with remorse. 

That so was the nature of man, 
Such ignorance would enfold, 
That rashly, he would not discern 
The dross here from the gold. 

And there where the cross had stood, 
I bowed my head in prayer, 
And prayed that man might have the pow'r 
To know things as they are. 
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Songs of Faith and Trust 



A DUSTY COVERED VOLUME 

There's a dusty covered volume, 
But a treasure, it doth hold, 
In the words ft there doth give us, 
Of salvation for the soul. 

There in some neglected corner, 
Where it often is forgot, 
Oft, as humble lives of great ones, 
Meet an unrequited lot. 

Man's so heedless, so neglectful, 
Of the virtues therein told, 
Which would fashion into being, 
Creature here, divine of mould. 

Cast aside thy vain impressions, 
Cease the folly of thy way, 
Bring thou out the sacred volume, 
And its precepts, thou obey. 

Though it chide thee, let it guide thee, 
Truth is there in every word, 
Truth impelling, in the telling, 
From the tongue of God, is heard. 



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